Wanted: Info on under gravel heating

[Nilocagain]

Hi has anyone got plans/diagrams on diy U/G cable heaters?

Or know wether its cost effective to make or buy. Currently pricing them up from germany and england.

Thanks Colin

[Caryl]

You want them in the gravel? I have DIY plans for an under tank heat pad, not the 'in the gravel' coils. You need to be an electrician though.

[Nilocagain]

My father inlaw is a electrical engineer, but I'd prefer to ask him as a last option and I would prefer in the gravel coils.

Cheers Colin

[Lucid]

Hi Niloc,

Apparently there is one on Trade Me :lol:

B

[Nilocagain]

Thanks, I think :roll: Who told you? I've found them for about half that price importing my own, just want to price up a DIY unit first

Colin

[Bruce]

Hi

Retail price on u/g heaters (Root Heaters) Red Sea Brand from memory

2 Sizes

to suit 100l tank approx $160

to suit 400l tank approx $200

/Bruce

[cees]

I had under(in)gravel heating cable in my planted tank. Made them myself from wirewrap wire.

You only need a low wattage to create the desired effect which is: water circulation through the substrate.

Use conventional heating to heat the tank.

I believe I used an old 6 volt transformer (isolated I think, I hope, not an electrician) and the required lenght of wire to have an effective 15-20 Watt heating. (or something like that anyway).

Made holders for it from plastic strips (hardware store) . Ran it zig-zag through the whole tank.

Substrate heater was on timer. 15 min on 15 min off or something like that

See

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Tech/dupla-cables.html

and look for wire wrap on the page

Cees

[Control]

I've never seen that before.

Do they cause interferance with electronic probes.

Aaron.

[spooky]

I doubt it Control. With a constant current all you will get is 50Hz noise (plus harmonics) - which is already pervasive anyway from lighting, other heaters, pumps. Thats not even taking into account the rest of the house.